Achieving security through a robust identity access management (IAM) program can help organizations protect data, meet compliance requirements, and improve the user experience. A good IAM solution includes features for securing access to apps, systems, and networks on-premises or in the cloud. This includes provisioning and de-provisioning, authentication, audit, and access intelligence.
Authentication
Authentication is verifying that someone is who they claim to be. It can involve something a user knows (such as a password or PIN) and something they have (like an ID card or mobile phone). Multifactor authentication provides an extra layer of protection, making it much harder for malicious actors to access systems and data even if they get a user’s credentials. The benefits of identity access management include providing contextual security features such as device and location awareness, adding an extra dimension to the authentication process. This means that users attempting to log in from a new geographic location or using a different type of device can be challenged by the system and required to provide additional information before they can successfully authenticate. An IAM platform can also help with provisioning, de-provisioning, and granting/revoking access rights to identities and resources based on a set of policies. It can also support the principle of least privilege, which ensures that users only have access to what they need to do their jobs — reducing the surface area for threats.
Authorization
As your business grows and you hire more team members, ensuring each employee has access to the information and programs they need can be complex. The wrong level of access can lead to a data breach that exposes confidential information like credit card numbers, personal employee data, and more. IAM solutions provide streamlined access management that makes it easier to control who can view and use what information in your systems and applications. IAM tools provide a layer of security that helps ensure that only those who should have access to a system can log in. This includes authentication processes that verify users are who they say they are, federation tools to allow single sign-on across multiple systems, and authorizations based on roles rather than specific user accounts. Managing these access controls is crucial to maintaining compliance with strict regulations like HIPAA and other regulations to protect customer and employee information. IAM systems can help you keep up with these rules by providing a clear and complete audit trail. They can also quickly de-provision users when they leave your company so that their access to your information and systems is terminated as soon as possible.
Audit
IAM solutions help you reduce the risk of unauthorized access by limiting data and system permissions to what users need. They also help you meet rigorous compliance standards and prevent data loss. One of the most significant risks is account hijacking, in which a malicious actor steals or hijacks legitimate credentials to gain unauthorized access to the system. An IAM solution can reduce this risk by requiring two forms of authentication before allowing a user to log in, encrypting data at rest and in transit, and detecting abnormal behavior. IAM systems can be delivered as a service, making them easier to implement and manage. But this can introduce new security challenges, such as reliance on a third party and potential downtime issues. For these reasons, it’s essential to carefully consider the security and uptime of any IAM solution before deploying it. Also, remember that an IAM solution is only as secure as the user identities and passwords it stores. Keeping this information secure requires a thorough and thoughtful approach to security, including a mix of policies, technologies, and processes.
Compliance
Overseeing appropriate access through the proper IAM framework goes a long way toward bolstering an organization’s risk management posture. It can prevent data breaches and unauthorized insider threats by eliminating a significant vulnerability point for cyberattacks, such as phishing or ransomware. IAM is a vital security tool for businesses that want to open their networks to contractors, partners, and customers without compromising security. The correct IAM tools enable businesses to regulate access to systems and applications based on user roles and permissions. A well-designed IAM system should include password management, single sign-on (SSO), two-factor authentication (2FA), and privileged access management (PAM). It should also be able to automate onboarding and offboarding processes, eliminate the need for users to submit password resets or help desk requests, and reduce the number of unauthorized account takeovers. It should also ensure that revoked access is effectively enforced. Otherwise, former employees could continue to access sensitive information for a long time after they have left the company.
Security
IAM security refers to the policies, programs, and technology that reduce identity-related access risks within a business. It can include password-management tools, single sign-on systems (SSO), authentication management, multifactor authentication (MFA), and privileged access management (PAM). Security is fundamental in an IAM system because hackers always seek ways to access company data. IAM security can help protect against these attacks by requiring users to verify their identities using multiple pieces of evidence, such as something they know, have, and are. IAM can also help organizations meet increasingly rigorous compliance regulations by ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive information. It can also reduce help desk requests by automating password resets and other tasks so that admins have more time to focus on tasks that add value. IAM can also provide reports that show how effective security processes are and identify areas for improvement. By reducing the risk of breaches, IAM can make it easier to open networks and systems to remote workers, new contractors, and customers while maintaining security.